Review: Temptation of Angels

Helen's night takes a strange turn when her mother enters her bedchamber and begins packing her things. She quickly ushers Helen into a hidden passageway with strict instructions not to come out. She tells Helen how to escape the house and where to go.

Helen arrives on the doorstep of two brothers in her bare feet and nightgown. She has no idea why she's been told to come here. She has no idea that her life is about to change forever. She has no idea she's part of a secret society.

A society she's been training for her whole life without realizing it. A society responsible for protecting the world. Helen is a Keeper.

There are dangerous beings who want to access the past, so they can change it, and they will stop at nothing to accomplish their goal.

Together can Helen and the brothers stop them from eliminating all the Keepers and taking control of the world?


My Thoughts: I loved this one! I'm a huge fan of Michelle Zink. This was my first read of the new year and it wowed me! I loved how the events unfolded. I loved unraveling the truth to Helen's life with her. I loved the strange quirks of the secret society: the jumping through lights, the necklaces, and the secret weapons. I loved the brothers - each different, but each significant. Although I do like Griffin a bit better. I loved Anna. I loved the romance, the danger, the adrenaline rushes, and the end of the world drama.

I think (I HOPE), this is the start of a trilogy or series! I can't wait to read more.

Cover Thoughts: I really like it - I think the model looks like a young Scarlett Johansson

Source: Thanks to Penguin Teen for the ARC

Release Date: March 20th
Goodreads

Review: Jane Austen a life revealed

I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen. I even have a notebook full of research which I was going to use to write a book after college and before grad school. That never happened. I wish I wrote this one!

It's the first YA biography for Jane Austen.

This was a fun, but quick read for me. There wasn't too much that I didn't already know about her. However, if I read this as a teen, I would have adored it and it would have been eye opening for me.

I discovered Jane Austen in high school when someone wrote up a review of Clueless and mentioned that it was a modernized version of Emma.

I read Emma and then Pride and Prejudice. The I read her other works and fell completely in love.

I think this book is a great introduction to both her life and her novels.


Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: Inter-Library Loan

A Special Thank You

goes out to Jessica Burkhart. She's the author of the Canterwood Crest series, which I adore. They're such addicting books and I'm so happy they come out every few months because it's hard waiting for the next installment.

Yesterday I opened my the book on my lunch break. Isn't the cover gorgeous? I adore these covers



It just came up from the processing department. As always, as soon as the book has been ordered and the record made, I placed a hold on it. That way it comes to me first!

I opened the book and read the acknowledgements. I don't always do this, but sometimes it's really fun to see who's thanked in putting a book together. Imagine my surprise when I saw:

THANK YOU JESSICA FOR MAKING MY DAY, YOU'RE SUPER SWEET!!!
And I hope that one day, we'll meet.

I'm still reading the book, but so far, it's Fabulous! Look for a review soonish

Tween Tuesday Review: King's Ransom

Amy and Dan still need to jump to the tune of Vesper One - who has a hostage from their family and all the other Cahill family branches. Amy and Dan scramble to locate and uncover an ancient map. A map no one has seen in the last 50 years.

It doesn't matter that they just stole a priceless piece of art or that they found an impossible to find map. Vesper One certainly has an agenda. He's not afraid to hand out consequences if the siblings and their relatives don't complete the assigned tasks.

Now that they're on the scent of this map, time is running out. Vesper One is growing impatient and he's not afraid to start eliminating the hostages.

Does the map really exist and if so can Amy and Dan recover it in time to save their loved ones?

My Thoughts: I'm so addicted to this series for the adventure, the danger, the heists, the ancient artifacts, and for this family. I love Amy and Dan. The rest of the family is growing on me as well. I also love the publishing schedule of these books and how the next one comes out in March.

Cover Thoughts: Cool

Source: my Library

Up Next: Dead of Night

Cover Reveal: Sweet Shadows

Did you see this new cover? It's book 2, following Sweet Venom

I love how it fits in nicely with the first book - the dark colors, the hair curls, and the tendrils of hair in the wind. I'm SUPER excited to read more about the triplets!!!!!

2012 Book Reviews

I'm now caught up with books read in 2011 and starting on a new year of reviews!

Review: Darker Still

Natalie's always been on the outskirts of society as she's deaf. People, including her father, can't talk to her. She's overjoyed when she meets Mrs. Evelyn Northe - a wealthy woman who knows sign-language.

She's on the verge of purchasing a very interesting painting - one that has the whole town talking. It's the portrait of Lord Denbury who's rumored to have committed suicide.

While looking at the painting, Natalie feels the painting watching her. She's sure she's imagining things, until the painting changes twice. Now she's curious and a little afraid.

Lord Denbury didn't commit suicide. He's stuck in the painting and he needs Natalie's help to break the curse. Natalie falls into the painting and discovers her voice, her determination, and a new chance at life.



My Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the connection between Lord Denbury and Natalie. I loved Natalie meeting Mrs. Evelyn Northe. I loved Natalie venturing out into society and trying to become friends with Maggie. I loved the creepy factor, the danger, the mystery, and the romance. And I love that it's just the beginning, there's more Gothic romance to follow!!

Cover Thoughts: Stunning!

Book: 2011 Debut YA

Source: My Library